Cornwall Council Reminds Residents to Recycle Correctly: What Goes in Which Bag?

Cornwall Council has issued a reminder to residents about the correct items to place in each recycling container. As part of their ongoing efforts to improve recycling rates, the council has outlined specific guidance on what can and cannot be recycled in the different coloured bags and boxes provided.

Orange Bag for Cardboard and Paper

The orange recycling bag is designated for cardboard, brown paper, brown envelopes, and greeting cards, as long as they aren’t shiny. Residents are advised to place flattened boxes, coloured paper, non-shiny wrapping paper, and greetings cards in their orange bag. If items don’t fit, they should be tied in a bundle and left next to the bag.

However, items like cartons, coffee cups, Pringles tubes, and bubble wrap should not be included. For more information on what can be recycled in the orange bag, residents can visit the council’s website.

Red Bag for Plastic and Metal Packaging

The red recycling bag is used for plastic and metal packaging such as drinks cans, food tins, aerosols, aluminium foil, and various plastic containers including bottles, pots, tubs, and trays. Residents are encouraged to rinse and squash dirty cans, tins, and plastic items before recycling them. Bottles should be washed, squashed, and have their lids replaced before being put in the red bag.

Plastic bread bags, plastic film lids, black plastic, and plastic toys are among the items that should not be placed in the red bag. The complete list of recyclable plastics is available on the council’s website.

Blue Bag for Paper

The blue bag is meant for paper items such as newspapers, magazines, brochures, junk mail, white envelopes, and shredded paper, provided it is placed in a tied bag. The council advises against placing brown paper, laminated paper, or wrapping paper in this bag. Residents should also remove any plastic envelope padding or excess sticky tape before recycling.

Black Box for Glass and Textiles

For glass and textiles, residents should use the black recycling box. Glass bottles and jars, as well as clean and dry clothing, shoes, towels, and sheets, are all acceptable items. These should be placed in a tied plastic bag on top of the black box to keep them dry. However, broken glass, Pyrex, drinking glasses, duvets, pillows, and dirty or damp clothes should not be included.

If residents need additional recycling bags, they can order them online here.

By following these guidelines, Cornwall Council hopes to improve the efficiency of its recycling system and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.